Don Lemon and DL Hughley: DL + DL "Anything Goes"

ENSEMBLE ARTS PHILLY, IN ASSOCIATION WITH OUTBACK PRESENTS, WELCOMES AWARD-WINNING JOURNALIST DON LEMON AND ORIGINAL KING OF COMEDY DL HUGHLEY FOR DL + DL ‘ANYTHING GOES’
AT THE MILLER THEATER,
OCTOBER 16, 2026

“[D.L. Hughley is] known for taking risks, overcoming setbacks, and speaking his piece.”
– Black Enterprise

“…it wasn't until he began to speak that I instantly realized exactly why Don Lemon has climbed the ladder of success, overcome every obstacle and is now being celebrated for his honesty and transparency.”
– Huffington Post

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE (September 14, 2026) – Ensemble Arts Philly, in association with Outback Presents, welcomes award-winning journalist Don Lemon and comedian DL Hughley to the Miller Theater on Friday, October 16, 2026, at 7:00 p.m. for DL + DL ‘Anything Goes.’ Bringing together two distinctive voices spanning journalism, comedy, and culture, the live conversation takes audiences through current events, social issues, race, pop culture, and whatever else comes up along the way, with no topic off limits.

DL + DL ‘Anything Goes’ pairs Lemon’s experience covering some of the most consequential stories of our time with Hughley’s sharp comedic perspective and politically astute commentary. Together, the two bring different backgrounds and approaches to the same stage for an unscripted conversation designed to be candid, thought-provoking, funny, and unpredictable.

“Stages have always been places where we come together to hear new perspectives, challenge our thinking, and engage with the ideas shaping the world around us,” said Frances Egler, Vice President of Theatrical Programming and Presentations. “Ensemble Arts Philly creates space for those exchanges through events that remind us of the power of gathering in the same room and sharing in a conversation that can surprise us, make us laugh, and perhaps even help us see something a little differently.”

Known as one of the original Kings of Comedy, DL Hughley has built a career spanning stand-up, television, radio, podcasting, and publishing. He currently hosts the nationally syndicated The DL Hughley Show and the podcast Uncertain with DL Hughley and is the author of five political humor books, including two New York Times bestsellers. His first memoir, Charlie’s Boy, will be released by HarperCollins on October 6, 2026. Hughley’s television and comedy career includes The Hughleys, The Original Kings of Comedy, numerous stand-up specials, and the Peabody Award-winning Comedy Central special DL Hughley: The Endangered List.

Don Lemon brings more than three decades of award-winning journalism and interviewing experience to the conversation. He currently hosts The Don Lemon Show, streaming live daily on YouTube and available across podcast platforms, where he discusses social issues, race, pop culture, and current events with newsmakers and guests. Previously, Lemon spent nearly two decades at CNN, anchoring Don Lemon Tonight and CNN This Morning and covering major national and global stories. His journalism has earned multiple Emmy Awards, an Edward R. Murrow Award, and a Peabody Award. Lemon is also the bestselling author of Transparent and This Is the Fire: What I Say to My Friends About Racism, which debuted at No. 1 on The New York Times bestseller list.

Other featured upcoming performances include Anthony Jeselnik (September 25–26, 2026, Miller Theater); Brian Henson’s Puppet Up! (September 29, 2026, Miller Theater); MAMMA MIA! (September 29–October 4, 2026, Academy of Music); Maria Bamford (October 2, 2026, Miller Theater); Jeff Goldblum & The Mildred Snitzer Orchestra (October 7, 2026, Miller Theater); Barbara Kingsolver: PARTITA (October 8, 2026, Miller Theater); The Magicians Table (October 21–November 22, 2026, SEI Innovation Studio inside the Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts); The Great Gatsby (October 20–November 1, 2026, Academy of Music); and more. Lakecia Benjamin (October 22, 2026, Perelman Theater inside the Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts); Jordan Jensen (October 23, 2026, Miller Theater); The 8-Bit Big Band (October 24, 2026, Miller Theater); Afro-Cuban All Stars led by Juan de Marcos González (October 30, 2026, Miller Theater); and Sing Along Broadway (October 30, 2026, Perelman Theater inside the Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts).

Tickets
Tickets can be purchased online at www.ensembleartsphilly.org, by calling 215-893-1999, or in person at the Academy of Music Box Office (240 S. Broad Street). For more information on the Academy of Music's Box Office hours, please visit www.ensembleartsphilly.org.

A limited number of VIP packages are available.
VIP Package Includes:
•       One top price reserved ticket with best available seating
•       Post show hangout with Don Lemon & DL Hughley

Don Lemon & DL Hughley: DL + DL ‘Anything Goes'
Miller Theater
Friday, October 16, 2026, 7:00 p.m.

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ABOUT OUTBACK PRESENTS
Outback Presents is the leading independent, full-service promoter of live entertainment in North America. We specialize in producing comedy, festivals, and music, with an emphasis in providing award-winning best in class service to our diverse roster of clients. 

ABOUT ENSEMBLE ARTS PHILLY
For more information about ENSEMBLE ARTS PHILLY, visit www.ensembleartsphilly.org. 

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For photography, please visit www.ensembleartsphilly.smugmug.com.


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